Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1540269
28 cgw j u ly • a u g u s t • s e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 5 i n the creative media industry, the way you protect client intellec- tual property (IP) directly affects your reputation. With workflows and supply chains more global and complex than ever, combined with evolving and more sophisticated cyber threats, keeping IP safe is everyone's job, not just the IT department. Security is a cul- ture, not just a checklist. Let's be honest, information security and compliance rarely make front-page news. But when things go wrong, it can damage reputa- tions, delay projects, and erode client trust. To reduce these risks, studios are taking different approaches. Many adopt industry standards like Trusted Partner Network (TPN) which play a crucial role in raising awareness of vulnerabilities across the content supply chain. Others rely on in-house frameworks that offer flexibility and familiarity. Some choose ISO 27001, widely recognized as the gold standard of information security, to embed the appropriate practices across all operations. Each approach has its strengths, and ISO 27001 doesn't have to replace what you're already doing—it can work alongside your exist- ing setup. As the lead for our compliance journey, I can confidently say the process strengthened far more than our information secu- rity—it became part of our company culture, enhanced our supply chain strength, and reinforced credibility with clients. Here are five practical steps to help decide if it's the right fit to protect your studio's creativity and the content behind it. Step 1: Ensuring ISO 27001 is right for your studio At CETA Soware, certification has been transformative, delivering benefits beyond enhanced security. Pursuing ISO 27001 further ex- emplified to our clients that we take IP protection seriously and it's part of our culture. But it's not for everyone. Based on our experience, here are key questions to ask at the start: • Would you value structured information on security standards? • Do you want to give clients and suppliers stronger security assur- ance? • Do competitors have more advanced security frameworks? • Would your studio benefit from operational improvements? • Is embedding a culture of security and continuous improvement a priority? • Are there more opportunities we could unlock to bid for high-pro- file projects? If you answered 'yes' to these questions, this certification might be a strong fit. Step 2: Get leadership commitment ISO 27001 takes time, resources, and cultural change. At CETA So- ware, we knew the investment would be significant—but it was never in question. Our managing director, Samuel Edney, wanted security to be embedded in our culture, and the certification process gave the structure to make that happen. Leadership needs to ensure the entire team is on board and that everyone understands the purpose of ISO 27001. If you have leader- ship backing and resources in place, you're ready to move forward. Step 3: Identify your weak spots This isn't just about technology—you need to understand what in- formation and content you are protecting, why it matters, and who might target it. Engage department heads to pinpoint vulnerabilities. Their insights are invaluable, and this collaborative approach also prepares your team for the rigorous audits that come with certifi- cation. Evaluate every process, system, and tool in your post-production pipeline from editing and compositing to virtual meeting platforms and remote collaboration tools. Don't overlook physical assets like office spaces, and your team, including freelancers, cleaners, and visitors. AI and automation can transform processes, but they can also introduce new vulnerabilities. You must be able to recognize and mitigate risks as they emerge. Gaps and non-compliances shouldn't be seen as failures. They're opportunities to refine your workflows. Transparency is key, not just for meeting ISO 27001 standards, but for building a culture of ac- countability and resilience. Once you've mapped your risks, it's time to start planning for change. Step 4: Commit to continuous improvement & document everything IN FOCUS SECURING CREATIVITY: IS ISO 27001 THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR STUDIO? BY LAURA GRAINGER